Material based impact reactive projectiles

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of projectiles and materials based impact reactive projectiles are described. In one embodiment, a projectile includes a projectile core and a tip. The projectile core may include a core base and a central recess that extends from a leading circumferential rim of the projectile core to the core base. The projectile core may further include projectile fingers each separated by a kerf, extending longitudinally from the core base to the leading circumferential rim, and extending radially apart between an outer periphery of the central recess to an outer periphery surface of the core. Depending at least in part upon the type of materials which the projectile is formed from, upon impact, the projectile fingers and core base of the projectile may fracture apart without a slug remaining. Alternatively, the projectile fingers may bloom out, expanding the cross sectional area of the projectile, and slowing the projectile.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Non-Provisional application ser. No. 14/625,097, filed Feb. 18, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/037,267, filed Aug. 14, 2014, the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Firearms generally launch projectiles propelled by explosive force. Such firearms may be equipped with a barrel having an internal diameter defined by a common projectile caliber. A projectile used in conjunction with a firearm will have an external diameter that substantially matches the caliber of the barrel of the firearm. A person using a firearm may desire specific results when firing the weapon. To this end, a projectile may be designed to affect its ballistic or impact characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the embodiments described herein and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of a projectile according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 1B illustrates a back perspective view of the projectile in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a front view of the projectile in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D illustrates a front view of the projectile core of the projectile in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E illustrates a front perspective exploded view of the projectile in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F illustrates a central recess of the projectile in the cross section A-A identified in FIG. 1C.

FIG. 1G illustrates another view of the cross section A-A of the projectile identified in FIG. 1C.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front and back perspective views of a projectile, respectively, according to another example embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front and back perspective views of a projectile, respectively, according to another example embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate front and back perspective views of a projectile, respectively, according to another example embodiment.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate front and back perspective views of a projectile, respectively, according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 6A illustrates a representative fractured perspective view of the projectile in FIGS. 3A and 3B according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 6B illustrates a representative view of the fractured projectile in FIG. 6A according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 7A illustrates a representative bloomed front view of the projectile core in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 7B illustrates a representative bloomed back view of the projectile core in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 7C illustrates a representative view of the bloomed projectile core in FIGS. 7A and 7B according to aspects of the embodiments.

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting of the scope of the embodiments described herein, as other equivalents are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In the drawings, similar reference numerals between figures designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily the same, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of a projectile 10 according to one example embodiment. As illustrated, the projectile 10 includes a tip 102 and a projectile core 112. The projectile 10 in FIG. 1A may be similar in size to the commercially-recognized .450 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) caliber projectile. However, among embodiments, the projectile 10 may be embodied as a projectile of another commercially-recognized caliber, including but not limited to 9 millimeter, .40 Smith & Wesson, .380 ACP, or .357 Magnum, among other commercially-recognized or custom calibers. It should be appreciated that the shape, size, dimensions, and proportions of the projectile 10 in FIGS. 1A-G are not necessarily drawn precisely to scale and should not be considered to limit or define the scope of the embodiments described herein. Further, no casing is illustrated in FIG. 1A, but it should be appreciated that the projectile 10 (and the other projectile embodiments described herein) may be relied upon as one part of a full cartridge including a projectile, a case or shell, powder, a primer, etc. The projectile core 112 may be formed from any material or materials suitable for the application, including but not limited to those described in further detail below. The tip 102 may also be formed from any material suitable for the application.

The projectile core 112 includes a core base 122 (see also FIGS. 1F and 1G), undercuts 126, and projectile fingers 132 separated from each other by kerfs 152. The undercuts 126 may be included to facilitate splintering, fracturing, blooming, or expanding of the projectile fingers 132 apart from each other after impact of the projectile 10, although one or both of the undercuts 126 may be omitted. As further described below, the tip 102 may act as a type of lever to expand the projectile fingers 132 of the projectile core 112 apart upon impact of the projectile 10 with a surface or body. Additionally, because hollow point bullets may jam on the barrel ramp to the barrel and have problems being chambered into a gun, the tip 102 may help to insure a smooth feed into the barrel of a gun. In some embodiments, however, the tip 102 may be omitted and the projectile core 112 used without the tip 102.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the projectile 10 includes six projectile fingers 132, although other numbers of projectile fingers are within the scope of the embodiments. The number of projectile fingers 132 may depend upon the caliber of the projectile 10, for example, among other factors. As described in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 1D, the projectile fingers 132 extend (e.g., occupy the space) radially apart from an axis of symmetry of the projectile core 112 between an outer periphery of a central recess of the projectile core 112 to an outer periphery of the projectile core 112. Further, the projectile fingers 132 extend longitudinally from the leading circumferential rim 124 of the projectile core 112 to the core base 122. The leading circumferential rim 124 may be considered the meplat of the projectile core 112 but is not necessarily the most forward reaching point of the projectile 10. Rather, in the embodiments which include it, the tip 102 is the most forward reaching point of the projectile 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, each kerf 152 extends the distance “A” from the leading circumferential rim 124 to the core base 122 (or near the core base 122) of the projectile core 112. The distance “A” that the kerfs 152 extend may vary among embodiments. In the preferred embodiment, based on the distance “A” that the kerfs 152 extend, the core base 122 may extend less than between thirty to ten percent of the total length of the projectile core 112. In the embodiments which include one or more undercuts 126, the kerfs 152 may extend from the leading circumferential rim 124, to or toward the core base 122, and entirely or partially across one or more of the undercuts 126. In other embodiments, the distance “A” may be shorter and the core base 122 may extend between thirty and sixty percent of the total length of the projectile core 112. In still other embodiments, the distance “A” may be even shorter and the core base 122 may extend between sixty and eighty percent of the total length of the projectile core 112. Further, one or more of the kerfs 152 may extend a first distance while one or more others extend other distances.

FIG. 1B illustrates a back perspective view of the projectile 10 in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1B, it can be seen that the back side of the projectile 10 is substantially flat. In other embodiments, the back side of the projectile 10 may be formed into a concave semispherical-shaped recess to permit the projectile core 112 to more easily splinter or fracture upon impact of the projectile 10, to adjust the ballistics of the projectile 10, to adjust the overall weight of the projectile 10, or for other reasons.

FIG. 1C illustrates a front view of the projectile 10 in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1C, along with the tip 102, each of the six projectile fingers 132 can be seen with the kerfs 152 separating the projectile fingers 132. Turning to FIG. 1D, a front view of the projectile core 112 is illustrated. As compared to FIG. 1C, the tip 102 of the projectile 10 is omitted from view in FIG. 1D. Thus, in FIG. 1D, it can be seen that the projectile fingers 132 include several surfaces. Surfaces 141-144 of one of the projectile fingers 132 are referenced in FIG. 1D. The surfaces 141 and 142, which are formed along the kerfs 152, are substantially flat, and the surfaces 143 and 144 are curved. More specifically, the surfaces 143 and 144 each include partial cylindrical surface segments. Further, it is clear that the projectile fingers 132 extend the distance “G” radially away from the axis of symmetry “S” (see also FIG. 1G) from the inner curved surface 143 to the outer curved surface 144. In other words, the projectile fingers 132 extend radially away from the axis of symmetry “S” between the central recess of the projectile core 112 to an outer periphery of the projectile core 112.

Turning to FIG. 1E, a front perspective exploded view of the projectile 10 in FIG. 1A is illustrated. In FIG. 1E, the tip 102 is removed from the projectile core 112 and the features of the tip 102 are illustrated in further detail. The tip 102 includes a semispherical-shaped nose 104, a conical taper portion 106, and a cylindrical anchor pin 108. Generally, the shape of the tip 102 corresponds to or mates with the central recess within the projectile core 112, as further described below with reference to FIG. 1F. The length “B” of the cylindrical anchor pin 108 may vary among embodiments. In one embodiment, the cylindrical anchor pin 108 may be formed to have sufficient length “B” so as to have enough surface area to fit snugly into the central recess within the projectile core 112 and be retained therein by way of friction, but other considerations may be accounted for. The length “C” and the width “D” of the conical taper portion 106 may also vary among embodiments.

It should be appreciated that, the angle α₁ between the surfaces of the cylindrical anchor pin 108 and the conical taper portion 106 may be selected based in part on the ductility, malleability, and/or tensile strength of the material from which the projectile core 112 is formed, for example, as factors which result in the projectile fingers 132 splintering, fracturing, or blooming after impact of the projectile 10. The conical taper portion 106 may meet the cylindrical anchor pin 108 at an angle α₁ of about 115 to 165 degrees, for example, between a surface of the conical taper portion 106 and a surface of the cylindrical anchor pin 108.

It is noted that one primary purpose and function of the tip 102 is to facilitate the suitable splintering, fracturing, or blooming of the projectile fingers 132 after impact of the projectile 10. Upon impact of the tip 102 of the projectile 10 with any surface or body, the tip 102 will be pressed further into the central recess within the projectile core 112 in the direction “E”. At the same time, the conical taper portion 106 of the tip 102 will apply upon the projectile fingers 132 a component of force (at least in part) perpendicular to the axis of symmetry “S” (see FIG. 1G) of the projectile 10. In turn, the projectile fingers 132 will bear a force tending to splinter, fracture, or bloom the projectile fingers 132 apart from each other. Additional details on how the projectile 10 may fracture or bloom apart is provided below.

FIG. 1F illustrates the cross section A-A identified in FIG. 1C. In FIG. 1F, the central recess of the projectile 10 is outlined. The central recess includes a cylindrical recess portion 162 and a conical recess portion 164. The size of the cylindrical recess portion 162 may vary among embodiments. For example, the cylindrical recess portion 162 may be larger or smaller in width (i.e., diameter) or length than that depicted. When assembled, the cylindrical anchor pin 108 of the tip 102 (FIG. 1E) is inserted into and occupies at least part of the cylindrical recess portion 162, and the conical taper portion 106 of the tip 102 fits within and occupies at least part of the conical recess portion 164.

As shown in FIG. 1F, the inside surfaces of the projectile fingers 132 track the axis of symmetry “S” of the projectile 10 along the cylindrical recess portion 162 but make a corner at the transition point 170 between the cylindrical recess portion 162 and the conical recess portion 164. At the transition point 170, the inside surfaces of the projectile fingers 132 turn at the angle β₁ with respect to the axis of symmetry “S” and continue for a second distance to the leading circumferential rim 124. As illustrated, the sharpness of the cornered transition point 170 is determined by the angle β₁. The angle β₁ between the cylindrical recess portion 162 and the conical recess portion 164 (and the corresponding angle α₁ in the tip 102) may be selected based in part on the ductility, malleability, and/or tensile strength of the material from which the projectile core 112 is formed, for example, as factors which result in the projectile fingers 132 splintering, fracturing, or blooming after impact of the projectile 10.

FIG. 1G illustrates another view of the cross section A-A of the projectile 10 identified in FIG. 1C. In FIG. 1G, the axis of symmetry “S” of the projectile 10 and the profile of the projectile fingers 132 are shown. The length “H” of the bearing surface and the length “I” of the ogive surface of the projectile core 112 are also shown.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front and back perspective views of a projectile 20, respectively, according to another example embodiment. As shown, the projectile 20 includes a tip 202 and a projectile core 212. The projectile 20 may be similar in size to the commercially-recognized 9 millimeter caliber projectile. However, among embodiments, the projectile 20 may be embodied as a projectile of another commercially-recognized caliber, including but not limited to .450 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP), .40 Smith & Wesson, .380 ACP, or .357 Magnum, among other commercially-recognized or custom calibers. It should be appreciated that the shape, size, dimensions, and proportions of the projectile 20 are not necessarily drawn precisely to scale and should not be considered to limit or define the scope of the embodiments described herein. The projectile core 212 may be formed from any material or materials suitable for the application, including but not limited to those described in further detail below. The tip 202 may also be formed from any material suitable for the application.

The projectile core 212 includes a core base 222, an undercut 226, and projectile fingers 232 separated from each other by kerfs 252. As compared to the projectile 10, the projectile 20 includes four projectile fingers 232 rather than six. The undercut 226 may be included to facilitate suitable splintering, fracturing, or blooming of the projectile fingers 232 apart from each other after impact of the projectile 20, although it may be omitted. Each kerf 252 extends from the leading circumferential rim 224 substantially to the core base 222 (or near the core base 222) of the projectile core 212. The distance that the kerfs 252 extend may vary, but the kerfs 252 generally extend deep enough into the projectile core 212 so that the projectile core 212 will suitably fracture or bloom apart upon impact of the projectile 20.

Similar to the tip 102 illustrated in FIG. 1E, the tip 202 may act as a type of lever to expand the projectile fingers 232 of the projectile core 212 apart upon impact of the projectile 20 with a surface or body. According to the concepts described herein, the projectile fingers 232 of the projectile 20 may splinter, fracture, or bloom apart after impact of the projectile 20.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front and back perspective views of a projectile 30, respectively, according to another example embodiment. As shown, the projectile 20 includes a tip 202 and a projectile core 212. The projectile 30 may be similar in size to the commercially-recognized .380 ACP caliber projectile. However, among embodiments, the projectile 30 may be embodied as a projectile of another commercially-recognized caliber, including but not limited to .450 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP), 9 millimeter, .40 Smith & Wesson, or .357 Magnum, among other commercially-recognized or custom calibers. It should be appreciated that the shape, size, dimensions, and proportions of the projectile 30 are not necessarily drawn precisely to scale and should not be considered to limit or define the scope of the embodiments described herein. The projectile core 312 may be formed from any material or materials suitable for the application, including but not limited to those described in further detail below. The tip 302 may also be formed from any material suitable for the application.

The projectile core 312 includes a core base 322, an undercuts 326, and projectile fingers 332 separated from each other by kerfs 352. As compared to the projectile 10, the projectile 30 includes four projectile fingers 332 rather than six. The undercuts 326 may be included to facilitate suitable splintering, fracturing, or blooming of the projectile fingers 332 apart from each other after impact of the projectile 30, although they may be omitted. Each kerf 352 extends from the leading circumferential rim 324 substantially to the core base 322 (or near the core base 322) of the projectile core 312. The distance that the kerfs 352 extend may vary, but the kerfs 352 generally extend deep enough into the projectile core 312 so that the projectile core 312 will suitably fracture or bloom apart upon impact of the projectile 30.

Similar to the tip 102 illustrated in FIG. 1E, the tip 302 may act as a type of lever to expand the projectile fingers 332 of the projectile core 312 apart upon impact of the projectile 30 with a surface or body. According to the concepts described herein, the projectile fingers 332 of the projectile 30 may splinter, fracture, or bloom apart after impact of the projectile 30.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate front and back perspective views of a projectile 40, respectively, according to another example embodiment. As shown, the projectile 40 includes a tip 402 and a projectile core 412. The projectile 40 may be similar in size to the commercially-recognized .40 Smith & Wesson caliber projectile. However, among embodiments, the projectile 40 may be embodied as a projectile of another commercially-recognized caliber, including but not limited to .450 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP), 9 millimeter, .380 ACP, or .357 Magnum, among other commercially-recognized or custom calibers. It should be appreciated that the shape, size, dimensions, and proportions of the projectile 40 are not necessarily drawn precisely to scale and should not be considered to limit or define the scope of the embodiments described herein. The projectile core 412 may be formed from any material or materials suitable for the application, including but not limited to those described in further detail below. The tip 402 may also be formed from any material suitable for the application.

The projectile core 412 includes a core base 422, an undercuts 426, and projectile fingers 432 separated from each other by kerfs 452. As compared to the projectile 10, the projectile 40 includes four projectile fingers 432 rather than six. The undercuts 426 may be included to facilitate suitable splintering, fracturing, or blooming of the projectile fingers 432 apart from each other after impact of the projectile 40, although they may be omitted. Each kerf 452 extends from the leading circumferential rim 424 substantially to the core base 422 (or near the core base 422) of the projectile core 412. The distance that the kerfs 452 extend may vary, but the kerfs 452 generally extend deep enough into the projectile core 412 so that the projectile core 412 will suitably fracture or bloom apart upon impact of the projectile 40.

Similar to the tip 102 illustrated in FIG. 1E (although having a flat rather than semispherical-shaped nose), the tip 402 may act as a type of lever to expand the projectile fingers 432 of the projectile core 412 apart upon impact of the projectile 40 with a surface or body. According to the concepts described herein, the projectile fingers 432 of the projectile 40 may splinter, fracture, or bloom apart after impact of the projectile 40.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate front and back perspective views of a projectile 40, respectively, according to another example embodiment. As shown, the projectile 40 includes a tip 402 and a projectile core 412. The projectile 50 may be similar in size to the commercially-recognized .357 Magnum caliber projectile. However, among embodiments, the projectile 50 may be embodied as a projectile of another commercially-recognized caliber, including but not limited to .450 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP), 9 millimeter, .380 ACP, or .40 Smith & Wesson, among other commercially-recognized or custom calibers. It should be appreciated that the shape, size, dimensions, and proportions of the projectile 50 are not necessarily drawn precisely to scale and should not be considered to limit or define the scope of the embodiments described herein. The projectile core 512 may be formed from any material or materials suitable for the application, including but not limited to those described in further detail below. The tip 502 may also be formed from any material suitable for the application.

The projectile core 512 includes a core base 522, an undercuts 526, and projectile fingers 532 separated from each other by kerfs 552. As compared to the projectile 10, the projectile 50 includes four projectile fingers 532 rather than six. The undercuts 526 may be included to facilitate suitable splintering, fracturing, or blooming of the projectile fingers 532 apart from each other after impact of the projectile 50, although they may be omitted. Each kerf 552 extends from the leading circumferential rim 524 substantially to the core base 522 (or near the core base 522) of the projectile core 512. The distance that the kerfs 552 extend may vary, but the kerfs 552 generally extend deep enough into the projectile core 512 so that the projectile core 512 will suitably fracture or bloom apart upon impact of the projectile 50.

Similar to the tip 102 illustrated in FIG. 1E (although having a flat rather than semispherical-shaped nose), the tip 502 may act as a type of lever to expand the projectile fingers 532 of the projectile core 512 apart upon impact of the projectile 50 with a surface or body. According to the concepts described herein, the projectile fingers 532 of the projectile 50 may splinter, fracture, or bloom apart after impact of the projectile 50.

Turning to a discussion of the use of various types of materials in projectiles, it is generally noted that the use of relatively malleable or ductile materials in conventional projectiles may result in a relatively shallow, uncontrolled, and/or unpredictable penetration. On the other hand, the use of relatively hard materials in conventional projectiles may result in relatively deep penetration and, in some cases, passing through a target. If a projectile passes through a target, less energy is transferred from the projectile to the target. Also, the projectile may pass through and hit other individuals or objects.

With regard to the materials-related aspects of the embodiments, it is noted that the material composition of the projectiles described herein (i.e., the projectile cores 112, 212, 312, 412, and 512 and the tips 102, 202, 302, 402, and 502 of the projectiles 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, respectively) may affect the flight, impact, and post-impact performance of the projectiles. According to aspects of the embodiments, the materials of the projectile cores and the tips described herein may be selected for a balance between the performance factors of overall weight, ultimate tensile strength, deformation, expansion, rate of expansion, likelihood of fracturing or fragmenting, control in fracturing or fragmenting, penetrating distance, etc. In various embodiments, the projectile fingers and core base of the projectiles described herein may, upon impact with a body, fracture apart without remaining slug. Alternatively, the projectile fingers may bloom out, greatly expanding the cross sectional area of the projectile and slowing it down rapidly.

The projectile cores of the projectiles described herein (i.e., the projectile cores 112, 212, 312, 412, and 512 of the projectiles 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, respectively) may be formed from a base of solid copper or solid copper alloy, such as a high copper, brass, bronze, copper-nickel, copper-nickel-zinc, copper-aluminum, copper-zinc, copper-tin, copper-nickel, other copper alloys, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the projectile cores may be formed from a base of copper-beryllium, copper-chromium, copper-vanadium, copper-zirconium, copper-nickel-silicon, or copper-nickel-phosphorus alloys. Alternatively, the projectile cores may be formed from a base of iron, steel, or other metals. In still other embodiments, the projectile cores may be formed, at least in part, from materials other than metals or metallic alloys, such as glass, ceramics, plastics (e.g., polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon or other polymers), rubber, or wood. Similarly, the tips of the projectiles described herein (i.e., the tips 102, 202, 302, 402, and 502 of the projectiles 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, respectively) may be formed from any of the materials described above for the projectile cores. It is noted that, for any given projectile, the projectile core and the tip of the projectile may be formed from the same or different materials. That is, the projectile core can be formed from a first material and the tip can be formed from a second material.

In some cases, being made from an alloy of substantially copper, the projectile cores may be considered “green” projectiles in that they lacks lead and/or other elements which may be known to cause health or environmental concerns. However, the projectile cores may be formed from a base of one or more materials including lead and other elements. In at least the embodiments where a projectile core is formed from a base of solid material such as copper or brass, the projectile core would be formed without the need for a metal jacket.

Based upon the design of the projectiles described herein and the material or materials from which the projectile cores of those projectiles are formed (among other factors), the projectiles may expand apart and splinter, fracture, and/or bloom after impact in a consistent, expected fashion. The post-impact performance of the projectiles may be attributed to factors including the materials from which the projectiles are formed, the length of the kerfs, the relatively small size of the projectile core base, and the lever action provided by the tip after impact.

In some embodiments, a projectile having the design described herein may be substantially non-deforming after impact. In other words, rather than deforming, blooming, or mushrooming after impact, the projectile fingers of the projectile may fracture apart at the projectile core but otherwise avoid deforming or changing shape. The non-deforming nature may be attributed to the material from which the projectile core is formed, among other factors discussed herein. For example, especially when using a relatively hard but brittle material, such as solid brass, ceramic, or glass, the projectile fingers of the projectile may fracture apart but otherwise avoid deforming or changing shape. Beyond the type of material used, this non-deforming nature may also be attributed to the length of the kerfs, the relatively small size of the core base, and the lever action provided by the tip after impact.

As an example of a non-deforming embodiment of one of the projectiles described herein, FIG. 6A illustrates a representative fractured perspective view of the projectile 30 in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In the case illustrated in FIG. 6A, the projectile 30 may be formed from a relatively hard but brittle material, such as brass. The fractured projectile 30 includes the projectile fingers 332 and the tip 302. To arrive at the fractured state illustrated in FIG. 6A, at the time of impact, the tip 302 is pressed further into the central recess of the projectile core 312 (FIG. 3A) and acts as a type of lever to push and expand the projectile fingers 332 apart. When expanded, the projectile fingers 332 splinter or fracture apart, as illustrated, dividing the projectile core 312 into sections along the fractured edges 323 without any slug remaining.

Thus, after the projectile core 322 splinters or fractures into sections, the momentum of the projectile 30 is transferred, in parts, to the projectile fingers 332 and the tip 302. Among preferred embodiments, the projectile core 312 of the projectile 30 (and the other projectiles described herein) may be formed such that the core base 322 is relatively small. For example, along its axis of symmetry, the core base 322 may extend less than between thirty to ten percent of the total length of the projectile core 312. Thus, when the projectile fingers 332 splinter or fracture, no slug portion of the projectile 30 may remain.

Because certain materials, such as brass or glass, for example, may break or fracture sharply under tensile, bending, or other moments of stress, the projectile 30 in FIG. 6A is shown to break along the fractured edges 323. Generally, a material is brittle to the extent that, when subjected to stress, it breaks or fractures without significant deformation. Brittle materials absorb relatively little energy prior to fracture. Other materials, such as copper, for example, are relatively more ductile, malleable, and likely to absorb some energy and experience some plastic deformation before breaking or fracturing apart, if at all. A ductile material may thus deform to a relatively larger extent under tensile or other stress. Malleability, similarly, may be characterized by the ability of a material to form a thin sheet by hammering or rolling. Both ductility and malleability are aspects of plasticity, the extent to which a solid material may be plastically deformed without fracture.

FIG. 6B illustrates a representative view of the fractured projectile 30 in FIG. 6A according to aspects of the embodiments. Particularly, FIG. 6B illustrates the fractured projectile fingers 332 and tip 302 of the projectile 30 after impacting the body 650. The body 650 may be representative of ballistic gel, for example, or another body into which the projectile 30 may impact after being fired, but is not drawn to scale. At the time of impact with the body 650, the tip 302 is pressed further into the central recess of the projectile core 312 (FIG. 3A) and acts as a type of lever to push and expand the projectile fingers 332 apart. When expanded, the projectile fingers 332 splinter or fracture apart, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, dividing the projectile core 312 into sections along the fractured edges 323 without any slug remaining.

The traces or channels 604 are representative of the paths taken by the projectile fingers 332 and the tip 302 after fracturing apart in the body 650. It should be appreciated that each of the paths taken by the projectile fingers 332 and the tip 302 generates a separate wound channel. Further, when formed from brass, because the projectile fingers 332 are relatively hard, they are capable of extending a relatively deep penetrating distance into the body 650. However, the projectile fingers 332 may not have enough energy, individually, to pass through and exit the body 650. As such, it may be unlikely that any individuals behind the body 650 would be struck by one or more of the projectile fingers 332.

In other embodiments, the projectiles described herein may expand and bloom without fracturing after impact. This blooming nature may be attributed to several factors including the materials from which the projectiles are formed (e.g., relatively ductile materials), the length of the kerfs, the relatively small size of the core base, and the lever action provided by the tip after impact. In this context, FIG. 7A illustrates a representative bloomed front view of the projectile core 112 of the projectile 10 in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and FIG. 7B illustrates a back view. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the projectile core 112 may be formed from a relatively ductile material, such as copper. The bloomed projectile core 112 includes the projectile fingers 132 and the projectile base 122 (the tip 102 of the projectile 10 is not shown in FIG. 7A). To arrive at the bloomed state, at the time of impact of the projectile 10, the tip 102 is pressed further into the central recess of the projectile core 112 (see FIG. 1E) and acts as a type of lever to push and expand the projectile fingers 132 apart. When pushed, the projectile fingers 132 expand outward from the axis of symmetry “S” (see FIG. 1G) without breaking away from the projectile core 112. That is, in response to compression of the conical taper portion 106 of the tip 102 into the cylindrical recess portion 162 (FIG. 1F) of the projectile core 112, the projectile fingers 132 expand outward. As compared to the original profile of projectile core 112 illustrated in FIG. 1C, for example, the bloomed projectile core 112 in FIGS. 7A and 7B is considerably larger in size. This larger size may lead to a relatively fast reduction in the speed of the projectile 10 after it impacts a body. Further, the projectile fingers 132, while expanded, have not (or not entirely) broken, fractured, or splintered away from the core base 122.

FIG. 7C illustrates a representative view of the bloomed projectile core 112 in FIGS. 7A and 7B according to aspects of the embodiments. Particularly, FIG. 7C illustrates the bloomed projectile core 112 after impacting the body 750. The body 750 may be representative of ballistic gel, for example, or another body into which the projectile 10 may impact after being fired, but is not drawn to scale. The channel 704 is representative of the path taken by the projectile core 112 after expanding in the body 750. It should be appreciated that the channel 704 is a relatively large channel. The size of the channel 704 may be determined, at least in part, by the length of the kerfs 152 (FIGS. 1A and 1B). Because the bloomed projectile core 112 has expanded to a relatively large size, it acts as a type of parachute to quickly slow the projectile core 112 in the body 750, quickly transferring the energy from the projectile core 112 to the body 750. The projectile core 112 may not pass through and exit the body 750. As such, it may be unlikely that any individuals behind the body 750 would be struck by the projectile core 112.

In still other embodiments, the projectiles described herein may fracture apart (at least in part) and partially deform before and/or after fracturing. In this case, the projectile fingers may fracture apart and (at least to some extent) bend, deform, bloom, or mushroom after impact. This semi-deforming nature may be attributed to several factors including the materials from which the projectiles are formed, the length of the kerfs, the relatively small size of the core base, and the lever action provided by the tip after impact.

Although embodiments have been described herein in detail, the descriptions are by way of example. The features of the embodiments described herein are representative and, in alternative embodiments, certain features and elements may be added or omitted. Additionally, modifications to aspects of the embodiments described herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined in the following claims, the scope of which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass modifications and equivalent structures. 

At least the following is claimed:
 1. A projectile, comprising: a projectile core having a central recess formed therein, the central recess including a conical recess portion and a cylindrical recess portion, the projectile core comprising: a core base, wherein the central recess extends from a circumferential meplat rim of the projectile core to the core base along an axis of symmetry of the projectile core; and a plurality of projectile fingers each separated by a kerf, the plurality of projectile fingers extending longitudinally from the core base to the circumferential meplat rim and extending radially away from the axis of symmetry between the central recess and an outer periphery surface of the projectile core; and a tip including a nose, a conical taper portion, and a cylindrical anchor pin.
 2. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the projectile core is formed from a solid stock material which absorbs sufficient energy such that the plurality of projectile fingers expand outward from the axis of symmetry without breaking away from the core in response to compression of the conical taper portion of the tip into the cylindrical recess portion of the projectile core.
 3. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the projectile core is formed from copper or an alloy formed substantially of copper which absorbs sufficient energy such that the plurality of projectile fingers expand outward from the axis of symmetry in response to compression of the conical taper portion of the tip into the cylindrical recess portion of the projectile core.
 4. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the projectile core is formed from a solid stock material which fractures apart in response to compression of the conical taper portion of the tip into the cylindrical recess portion of the projectile core.
 5. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the projectile core is entirely formed from solid brass.
 6. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the projectile core is formed from a first material and the tip is formed from a second material.
 7. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical anchor pin of the tip is lodged inside the cylindrical recess portion of the central recess; and the conical taper portion of the tip occupies the conical recess portion of the central recess.
 8. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of projectile fingers includes a plurality of surfaces; and at least one of the plurality of surfaces of each of the plurality of projectile fingers includes a partial conical surface.
 9. The projectile according to claim 8, wherein at least two of the plurality of surfaces of each of the plurality of projectile fingers are substantially flat surfaces.
 10. The projectile according to claim 8, wherein at least two of the plurality of surfaces of each of the plurality of projectile fingers include cylindrical surface segments.
 11. A projectile, comprising: a projectile core having a central recess formed therein, the projectile core comprising: a core base, wherein the central recess extends from a circumferential meplat rim of the projectile core to the core base along an axis of symmetry of the projectile core; and a plurality of projectile fingers separated from each other, the plurality of projectile fingers extending longitudinally from the core base to the circumferential meplat rim; and a tip including a nose.
 12. The projectile according to claim 11, wherein the projectile core is formed from a solid stock material which absorbs sufficient energy such that the plurality of projectile fingers expand outward from the axis of symmetry without breaking away from the core in response to compression of the tip into the central recess of the projectile core.
 13. The projectile according to claim 11, wherein the projectile core is formed from copper or an alloy formed substantially of copper which absorbs sufficient energy such that the plurality of projectile fingers expand outward from the axis of symmetry in response to compression of the tip into the central recess of the projectile core.
 14. The projectile according to claim 11, wherein the projectile core is formed from a solid stock material which fractures apart in response to compression of the tip into the central recess of the projectile core.
 15. The projectile according to claim 11, wherein the projectile core is formed from a first material and the tip is formed from a second material.
 16. The projectile according to claim 11, wherein the central recess includes a conical recess portion and a cylindrical recess portion; and the tip includes a conical taper portion and a cylindrical anchor pin.
 17. A projectile, comprising: a projectile core having a central recess formed therein, the projectile core comprising: a core base, wherein the central recess extends from a circumferential meplat rim of the projectile core to the core base along an axis of symmetry of the projectile core; and a plurality of projectile fingers separated from each other, the plurality of projectile fingers extending longitudinally from the core base to the circumferential meplat rim; and a tip including a nose, wherein along the axis of symmetry, the core base extends less than thirty percent of a length of the projectile core.
 18. The projectile according to claim 17, wherein the projectile core is formed from a solid stock material which absorbs sufficient energy such that the plurality of projectile fingers expand outward from the axis of symmetry without breaking away from the core in response to compression of the tip into the central recess of the projectile core.
 19. The projectile according to claim 17, wherein the projectile core is formed from a solid stock material which fractures apart in response to compression of the tip into the central recess of the projectile core.
 20. The projectile according to claim 17, wherein the projectile core is formed from a first material and the tip is formed from a second material. 